Christmas Table Linens Enhance Your Holiday Decor

Whether you prefer the lush elegance of Victoriana, the homey warmth of traditional folk art, or the colorful, upbeat cheer of retro style, there are Christmas table linens that will make the most of your decor.
For a Victorian Christmas look: The sky is the limit when it comes to Victorian decorations. The era’s love of intricate embellishment and “more is more” ethic gives you free rein to use layer upon layer of rich, sumptuous fabrics, strong colors, shiny textures, and plenty of decorative touches.

• The basics: dress your table in layers. Start with a base tablecloth large enough to hang well below the edge of the table, then add a contrasting topper that covers the top of the table but leaves the base cloth visible. Some combinations to consider: a white or cream base cloth with a plaid topper in christmas colors; as a base use a Christmas tablecloth tablecloth in a deep, dramatic jewel tone like forest green or wine red with a gold lame topper; or a dark plaid base cloth with a cream or white topper in linen, lace, or net.

• Add-ons and extras: for extra drama, add a contrasting center runner, napkins, and placemats. When it comes to Victorian style, bigger is generally better and if your table is large enough, oversized lace, linen, or cutwork placemats will add extra elegance. Paired with embroidered or lace-trimmed napkins in filagree holders, they’ll give your holiday table breathtaking period style.

For a folk art Christmas look: Think craftsmanship, tradition, and simplicity. Fabrics that are colorful yet durable, embellishments that are friendly and fun, and a bright but uncluttered look are the hallmarks of this style, which exudes a sense of friendly, down-to-earth welcome to one and all.

• The basics: start with a full tablecloth. White, cream, or a bright but simple holiday plaid in cotton or linen all work well; look for homespun-type fabrics and go for some colorful embroidery or a simple lace or rick-rack trim rather than shiny, glittery decorations.

• Add-ons and extras: try a simple topper in a contrasting color – for example, a muted plaid topper over a cream linen tablecloth, or a fringed burlap topper over a plaid base cloth. Placemats are optional, but simple rectangles in cotton, linen, or burlap with some touches of colorful embroidery or a bit of ribbon trim will look great. If you have ethnic folk art pieces like Matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), try putting one at each table setting. One of the best things about folk art decorating is that nothing has to match exactly, so don’t hesitate to use simple but colorful cloth napkins in simple holders to add a finishing touch.

For a Retro Christmas look: geometric shapes, vivid and even surprising colors, and a sense of whimsical fun are the keys to creating an authentic and memorable retro Christmas look. One of the best things about retro style is its flexibility; it can work equally well in an upscale urban decor or a kid-friendly family home.

• The basics: for authentic retro style, forget the lace and layers; retro style is clean, sleek, and distinctly unfussy. One good way to start is with a full tablecloth, brightly printed in a colorful holiday pattern, or you can forego the tablecloth entirely and buff your table to a polished gleam, then dress it with big bright placemats and matching or contrasting napkins in simple holders.

• Add-ons and extras: color is key in retro decorating, so be bold; go for the classic Christmas colors of bright red and green, or take a totally retro tangent and give your holiday table dramatic flair with non-traditional colors. Try a solid black tablecloth topped with placemats in geometric prints of aqua, cream, and retro-pink.